Chennai: The Supreme Court’s recent verdict on the Karur stampede has put a spotlight on actor-politician Vijay’s next move, particularly concerning the upcoming 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Despite reaching out to him after the stampede, both the BJP and its ally, the AIADMK, found Vijay remaining silent. The NDA, recognizing Vijay’s immense star power and massive youth following, is keen on bringing him into their fold. However, Vijay has maintained a stance critical of the BJP and the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu.
Sources close to Vijay indicate that his team still plans to avoid aligning with any major political parties, despite the shift in circumstances following the tragedy. Nevertheless, political analysts suggest that Vijay might begin to adopt a more conciliatory tone towards the BJP and AIADMK.
Leaders from both the BJP and AIADMK have welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to transfer the investigation into the stampede—which resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals, including women and children, at Vijay’s rally in Karur on September 27—to the CBI. Vijay himself briefly commented on the verdict via X, stating, “Justice will Prevail.” His party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), had argued for a CBI probe, citing concerns about potential bias in a Tamil Nadu police investigation.
The ruling DMK party views the transfer of the probe to the central agency as a strategic move by the BJP-led central government to influence Vijay. DMK spokesperson A. Saravanan commented, “The AIADMK and BJP are desperately trying to form an alliance with the TVK, practically begging for a coalition, and TVK has surrendered to the BJP.”
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) recently alluded to a potential grand alliance in Tamil Nadu aimed at defeating the DMK, pointing to TVK flags at his rally. Hindustan Times had previously reported on October 7 that the AIADMK was re-establishing contact with Vijay following the Karur stampede.
Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan expressed optimism, stating, “The verdict gives opposition parties in Tamil Nadu, who are being suppressed by the DMK, hope.” She added, “Whenever an opposition party requests permission for a political event, the DMK is hesitant. Vijay is a victim of such atrocities by the DMK government.”
Vijay is reportedly considering several options: joining the NDA, aligning with the AIADMK without the BJP, or contesting the elections independently with smaller allied parties, with whom he has promised power-sharing. However, a member of Vijay’s inner circle stated, “We are not talking about alliances now. Now isn’t the time.”
Before rejoining the BJP in April, the AIADMK’s primary objective was to secure Vijay’s support. However, his demands, including power-sharing and a potential chief ministership for half the term, were reportedly unacceptable to the AIADMK, which has been weakened by internal factions, defections, and electoral losses since 2016.
Political commentator Maalan Narayanan believes Vijay will likely contest without formally joining the AIADMK or BJP. He anticipates that Vijay might soften his stance and reduce his criticism of these parties. “It still looks like a major chunk of anti-DMK votes may go to Vijay, and the BJP wants that share,” Narayanan noted.